The AIF Project

James Herdman COPPIN

Regimental number1333
Place of birthGeraldine, Canterbury, New Zealand
SchoolRetone, Wellington, New Zealand
Age on arrival in Australia18
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, James Coppin, Catlin's River, Otago, New Zealand
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date9 November 1914
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name1st Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/18/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A48 Seang Bee on 11 February 1915
Regimental number from Nominal Roll1408
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll1st Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'South of Strazeele, on the morning of the 11th July, 1918, this N.C.O. went out on patrol in front of our lines. With a party of three men he skilfully reconnoitred enemy positions, and finding them off the alert he promptly returned with the information. That it was both valuable and reliable is proved by what followed. On orders to exploit the success being received, he accompanied the officer, and with a small party took a leading part in the capture of about 10 enemy posts, together with their garrison, totalling 25 other ranks and 3 machine guns.He displayed great courage and initiative, and his example meant a great deal to the success of the enterprise. He has always done fine work.'

Other details from Roll of Honour CircularDied at 55th Casualty Clearing Station.
FateDied of wounds 23 August 1918
Age at death25
Age at death from cemetery records24
Place of burialDaours Communal Cemetery Extension (Plot VI, Row A, Grave No. 17), France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
28
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: James and Grace COPPIN, 5 Parkhill Avenue, Mornington, Dunedin, New Zealand. Native of Geraldine, Canterbury, New Zealand
Family/military connectionsBrother: John, killed 16 June 1915, Gallipoli, NZ forces.
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

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